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Dr. Ritu Thurr, Dr. Akuo Sorhie, Kovi Meyase and others on the occasion of global iodine deficiency disorder prevention day on Wed., Oct. 24 in Kohima.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct 24 (EMN): Kohima observed the global iodine deficiency disorder prevention day on October 24 on the theme “iodised salt, traders responsibilities,” organised by national iodine deficiency disorder control programme, department of health and family welfare.
Dr. Ritu Thurr, CMO Kohima, said iodine is a micro nutrient essential to human life which is naturally available in the soil and water. “Our normal requirements come from crops grown on iodine rich soil,” he said adding it is essential for normal growth, development and functioning of both the brain and the body. The average daily requirement of adult is 150 micro gram.
“More than 20 crores people are at risk of iodine deficiency disorder in the country. About 7% crore people suffer from IDD. No state/UTs is free from IDD,” said Thurr.
Dr. Akuo Sorhie, state programme officer, NIDDC, DHFW, said iodine deficiency remains one of the most neglected and most widespread of all nutritional deficiencies. Nagaland falls under areas of severest iodine deficiency as it lies in the sub-Himalayans belt.
While emphasising on the salt traders, she said iodised salt traders hold an important responsibility in ensuring universal consumption of iodised salt and requested them for proper segregation of iodised salt and non-iodised salt in stock. Stating that traders are the vital link between iodised salt producers and consumers, Sorhie mentioned that safeguarding the health is in the hands of traders.
She also informed that the department will also be carrying out inspection and testing of iodised salt in Kohima district adding defaulters will be fined as per PFA act. “Selling of non-iodised salt is banned in the country under provisions of PFA Act 1954 and is liable for prosecution,” she reminded.
In his welcome address, KMC administrator Kovi Meyase spoke on the responsibility of the traders and their role in contributing towards the society. Bendang and Khovetolu from the department demonstrated on how to test iodine in salts by using test kit.
Salt traders, who were present at the programme, have pledged to sell only iodised salt in their respective shops.